Shayla the Artist Serves Up Something Real with Her New Album Burnt Toast

There’s something about Shayla the Artist that feels instantly genuine. Born and raised in San Jose, California, she’s been carrying music in her bones since she was old enough to talk. Family lore says she picked up the mic at just two years old, singing with the kind of confidence that hinted at a bigger story to come. By the time she hit 18, she’d gone from scribbling whimsical jingles to cutting studio tracks, stepping boldly into the world as a solo artist.

Her early work already set the tone. With Sensitivity to Light, Shayla proved she had a knack for pairing vulnerability with melody. Then came Night Ride Home, an ambitious project paired with a short film that highlighted her cinematic, layered approach to storytelling. Both releases gave us glimpses of who Shayla was becoming—an artist unafraid to experiment, to bare her truth, and to carve her own lane in a crowded industry.

Now, she’s ready to take that vision further with her third project, Burnt Toast. The album is her boldest statement yet—ten tracks that not only explore her evolution as a singer and songwriter but introduce the world to her rap and rhyme style. Inspired by the golden era of 90s hip hop and R&B, Burnt Toast doesn’t try to mimic what’s trendy. Instead, Shayla builds her own lane, blending nostalgia with innovation, confidence with vulnerability.

“Burnt Toast reflects the idea that life is full of ups and downs and it’s okay to embrace the imperfections along the way, trusting that there is purpose in every experience,” Shayla explains. “I want listeners to feel inspired to scrape off the burnt parts of their own lives and find joy in what remains, knowing that they are not alone in their struggle. I hope this album fosters a connection through its exploration of love, friendship, and community. I aim for my music to encourage confidence and positivity, reminding everyone that with faith, it is possible to rise above it all and move forward with strength and grace.”

That spirit of resilience is baked into the music itself. From the powerful opener “Intro” to tracks like “Power” and “GOAT,” Shayla delivers songs that radiate self-assurance and grit. Midway through, “Woman” featuring Sorin Vibee adds another layer, celebrating collaboration and the strength of female voices. The record closes with “No Time,” shifting into a house-inspired beat that hints at new sonic paths she’s ready to explore. It’s the sound of someone growing, experimenting, and embracing all sides of herself.

“Burnt Toast is a deeply personal reflection of my journey as an artist and as a woman navigating life’s ups and downs,” Shayla says. The metaphor is simple but striking: sometimes life feels like a roller coaster, and when things don’t go as planned—like burning toast—you can either throw it away or scrape off the bad parts and move forward. This album leans fully into that choice to grow, transform, and keep going.

But what makes Shayla stand out isn’t just the music—it’s her refusal to conform. She’s not chasing the current climate of R&B and hip hop. Instead, she’s carving her own space, drawing inspiration from the past while inventing something fresh. It’s clear in her lyrics, her production choices, and the honesty with which she tells her story.

Beyond her artistry, Shayla is also a writer, screenwriter, and outspoken advocate for Black women’s health, using her platform to spotlight an issue close to her heart. That multidimensionality bleeds into her music—every song feels rooted not just in talent, but in purpose.

With Burnt Toast, Shayla the Artist isn’t just giving us an album. She’s offering an invitation: to embrace imperfections, celebrate growth, and find strength in community.

And in a world full of fleeting trends, Shayla’s sound feels timeless—like an artist finally stepping into the lane she built for herself.